Father of UFC standout Wanderlei Silva dies in car accident in Brazil

The father of former PRIDE champion and UFC standout Wanderlei Silva on Sunday was killed in a car accident in Brazil.

Holando Pinheiro da Silva, according to the website for BandNews FM in Curitiba, Silva’s hometown, died in a head-on collision on Sunday.

Silva, who trains in Las Vegas, where he runs the Wand Fight Team gym, reportedly left Monday to be with family in Brazil for funeral services.

According to BandNews FM, the driver of the other vehicle was killed, and a child was hospitalized in serious condition.

Just this past week, Silva released video footage of a recent trip to his hometown, including moments with his family – including his father.

The UFC released a statement offering condolences to Silva and his family.

“The UFC family sends its sincerest condolences to Wanderlei Silva on the loss of his father, Holando Pinheiro da Silva, who died in a car accident Sunday afternoon in Brazil,” the statement read.

Silva (34-12-1 MMA, 4-7 UFC) last fought in the headliner of UFC 147 in June against Rich Franklin, losing by decision. The 16-year veteran has lost four of his past six fights, but is regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history.

UFC President Dana White recently admitted Silva’s retirement likely is looming, but that the Brazilian will fight again. For now, though, Silva will focus his attention on his family.

Silva took to his Twitter account to share his thoughts on his father and thanking fans and followers for their words of encouragement.

“There are no words to thank you for the support. We do not know what else to do at such times, and we see who is with us. Thank you,” Silva stated in his native Portugese. “… You guys do not know how much help me, he was a great father and a great person, great example!”

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